Explain the structure of cellulose

Cellulose is a linear polysaccharide polymer with many glucose monosaccharide units. The linkage is beta, which makes it different from starch. This difference results in a major different in digestibility in humans. Humans are unable to digest cellulose because the appropriate enzymes to breakdown the beta linkages are lacking. Cellulose is mostly a linear chain but the second monomer is flipped.

SG
Answered by Sarika G. Biology tutor

4160 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What does it mean if genes are linked?


A guanine is swapped for a thymine in a gene sequence. Explain how this may alter the function of the protein it translates.


Describe how carbohydrates are broken down.


Explain how a very high temperature can stop an enzyme from working.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences